A Nebraska Tradition in Washington

Let’s take a break for a moment from the difficulties of the policy debate in Washington. Amidst the discord and division, there is an important meeting that takes place most weeks in the Capitol – and you’re invited! For 70 years, the Nebraska congressional delegation has been doing something very unique in...

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By Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Nebraska City News-Press - Nebraska City, NE

By Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Posted Feb. 19, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Updated Feb 19, 2013 at 11:28 AM

By Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Posted Feb. 19, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Updated Feb 19, 2013 at 11:28 AM

Washington, D.C.

Let’s take a break for a moment from the difficulties of the policy debate in Washington. Amidst the discord and division, there is an important meeting that takes place most weeks in the Capitol – and you’re invited!

For 70 years, the Nebraska congressional delegation has been doing something very unique in Washington: coming together weekly, regardless of political affiliation, to meet with visiting constituents and discuss the challenges before us as a nation.

The “Nebraska Breakfast” – which has become one of my favorite traditions in Washington, D.C. – takes place each Wednesday in which both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are in session. All Nebraskans are invited to attend. The delegation members each give a brief update on current issues and introduce guests. Some try to be funny and tell jokes.

Reflecting Nebraskans’ independence and neighborly spirit, the Nebraska Breakfast is the only state gathering of its kind, welcoming hundreds of constituents to the U.S. Capitol each year. The tradition began in 1943 when U.S. Senator Hugh Butler began meeting informally with the other members of the Congressional delegation and their guests. The 2013 calendar year marks the 70th year of this unique tradition. Given the division and strife that so often envelops Washington today, perhaps the Nebraska Breakfast could be a useful model for more constructive, civil, and collaborative interactions among elected officials throughout the nation.

When visiting our nation's capital, I strongly encourage you to make the event a part of your itinerary. The Nebraska Breakfast begins at 8:00 am eastern time and is held at the Senate Buffet in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, First Street and Constitution Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. For more information and to attend, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-4806.

This year, the first Nebraska breakfast is next week on Wednesday, February 13. The other 2013 breakfasts are scheduled for February 27; March 6, 13, and 20; April 10, 17, and 24; May 8, 15, and 22; June 5, 12, 19, and 26; July 10, 17, 24, and 31; September 11 and 18; and October 2.